Fashion

Holiday markets focus on local vendors and "Made-in-U.S.A." merchandise

Designs from Francis Roces and Gabriela Martinez will be shown Dec. 16 at the Frost Holiday Market. (Models from Avant Tout Models; photo by Cameron Devon provided by Fashion Denver)

The pattern for this pillow cover is from Sassy Spurs, which will be at the Horseshoe Holiday market. (Provided by Sassy Spurs)

In recent years, restaurants and chefs have promoted the virtues of eating closer to the land, filling their menus and diners' plates with fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products procured from local farms and ranches.

Now those who promote fashion, jewelry, beauty and home products are doing the same. After decades of chasing trends and cheap fashion made halfway around the world, people have a newfound appreciation of things of quality, made by hand, in America.

And entrepreneurs are bringing these craftsmen, creatives and manufacturers together in pop-up retail markets, stores and websites. Several such markets are planned for Denver this weekend and next.

Red Orchid Originals children's wear will be sold at FUSEdenver sale. (Provided by Red Orchid Originals)

Cristina Munoz, 32, worked in the wholesale trade-show world for ski and snowboard companies for years, but is branching out on her own with FUSEdenver, a market set for Sunday at the Exdo Center. She will bring together more than 40 vendors as well as food and liquor partners for the event.

"I wanted to get under one roof vendors with the diversity of the mall but have all the goods made in America," she says. "I've talked to both retailers and customers and they are looking for things of quality that are made here."

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She said she thinks shoppers will be pleased at the variety they'll see at her boutique-style market. "We have backpacks and body care, children's wear, some jewelry and artisans' work. A few fashion designers have made coats that cost up to $400, but jewelry by some of the lines like Barberry & and Lace are $10-$20."

Munoz also wants the shopping experience to be interactive and fun, so there will be a photo booth, food and libations.

Gold Bug jewelry will be sold at the FUSEDenver. (Provided by Gold Bug.)

She's hoping to do several markets a year going forward. "We want to keep it curated and have fresh new vendors at each one," she says.

Here are details on shopping events featuring locally designed and manufactured products.

Pendant from Objects of Affection, a Horseshoe Holiday market vendor. (Provided by Objects of Affection)

FUSEdenver, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. More than 40 vendors, such as CarolAnn Wachter, Gold Bug, Tricks and Ginger, Studio Janak and Topo Designs. Among the sponsors are Boulder-based Made Movement, a marketing agency that supports the resurgence in American manufacturing. Entertainment will include music by a DJ and a photo booth. Also, giveaways from Never Summer Industries, and free tastings from Jonesy's EatBar, Left Hand Brewing Co. and Peach Street Distillers. Admission is $5 in advance (plus $1.27 service charge) at eventbrite.com and guarantees shoppers a commemorative tote. Children under 10 are free; a percentage of sales benefits Grow Haus. Exdo Event Center, 1399 35th St. (at Walnut) fusedenver.

Naya Organics, based in Boulder, will be at FUSEdenver.

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Frost Holiday Market, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 16. Fashion Denver presents 20 Denver designers, 15 of which are new to the event. Three runway shows will be held during the day, and Denver Craft Ninjas will hold a garland-making station. The new store Lowbrow will have a table where guests can make holiday cards. Among those participating will be 50 Dresses, Belle West, HF (heartfelt) Locals, Ida Estelle Designs, Jemma Brand & Jemma Brand Baby and Salvaged Seams. Free. Grant Humphreys Mansion, 770 Pennsylvania St., fashiondenver.com

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